Recent News

To no one’s surprise, the GMC Canyon is getting a new powertrain for 2017 just like its twin, the Chevrolet Colorado. A new 3.6-liter V-6 and an eight-speed automatic transmission replace the old 3.6-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic for a bit more power and supposedly better fuel economy (although EPA ratings aren’t yet available). A luxury-oriented Denali trim level joins the lineup for 2017, as does a new All Terrain X option package (pictured above) with a few more off-road bits.

As in the Colorado, the new V-6 adds 3 horsepower and 6 lb-ft more torque, for totals of 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the taller ratios of the eight-speed automatic and a new cylinder deactivation system, it should provide a small improvement in fuel economy. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder remain unchanged and still pair with a six-speed automatic—or a six-speed manual, on certain rear-drive 2.5-liter models.

We’re a little sad that the Canyon’s All Terrain X treatment doesn’t go quite as far as the bigger Sierra’s similar package; the Canyon would certainly look cool with the sport bar that comes standard on the Sierra All Terrain X. But the Canyon’s package does add Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac off-road tires and all-weather floor mats on top of the standard All Terrain package, which includes an off-road suspension, hill descent control, 17-inch wheels, side step bars, and a few other pieces of equipment. GMC isn’t sharing pricing yet for the All Terrain X, but it will be offered on the SLE model with either the new V-6 or the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel.

As for the Canyon Denali, which we covered in detail at last year’s Los Angeles auto show, it adds all sorts of chrome trim on the outside (as expected), upgraded leather inside, and Denali badges throughout. The rest of the Canyon range gets minor tweaks including a revised touchscreen infotainment system, standard Teen Driver mode, and a few new exterior colors. Pricing and EPA fuel economy numbers should be available soon for the tweaked 2017 Canyon, which goes on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.